Jazz Showcase

Coordinating a university jazz program is no small task; but it is especially challenging at the onset of a semester. In addition to teaching related duties (like planning course work and writing syllabi), there are ensemble placement auditions and the formation and scheduling of groups. It took lots of time, energy and organization, but I’m pleased to say that all the UConn jazz groups are up and running once again, like a well-oiled machine.

Our fall semester Jazz Showcase Concert is tomorrow night, Thursday, Sept. 24th, from 7 – 9 p.m. at the UConn Co-Op Bookstore in Storrs Center. All the UCONN jazz groups perform an evening of music spanning a wide range of eras, styles and instrumentations - from bebop-infused quintets to big band swing. C’mon down!

Here’s the program:

University of Connecticut Jazz Showcase Concert – Fall 2015

UConn Co-Op Bookstore at Storrs Center

Thursday, Sept. 27th, 2015

7 – 9 p.m.

Jazz Lab Band
Directed by John Mastroianni

Minor Matter..........Lennie Niehaus
Festival..........Rick Stitzel

Alto Sax 1: David Jardim
Alto Sax 2: Rebecca Demaio
Tenor Sax 1: Rich Sadlon
Tenor Sax 2: Sally Kurdziel
Bari Sax: Nick Oliveira
Flute: Haley Hanenbaum
Trumpet 1:Kameryn Larkins
Trumpet 2: Sarah Falkenstine
Trumpet 3: Jeremy Cruz
Trumpet 4: Nathan Kwak
Trombone 1: Liam Evans
Trombone 2: Matt DeNegre
Trombone 3: Akua Frimpong
Bass Tbn: Gregory Bicknell
Piano: Alec McCandless
Bass: Nick Monllos
Drums: Steven McArdle


Combo #2:
Doug Maher, director

I Mean You..........Thelonious Monk
Stella By Starlight..........Victor Young

Grant Eagleson - trumpet
Kevin Duffy – tenor sax
David Caffrey - guitar
James Duffy – bass
Michael O’Callaghan - drums


E-Bop:
Earl MacDonald, director

No Moe..........Sonny Rollins
St. Thomas..........Sonny Rollins

Michael O’Callaghan – trumpet
Andrew Wynsen – piano
Nate Giordano – string bass
Earl MacDonald - drums


Combo #3:
Doug Maher, director

Darn That Dream..........Jimmy Van Heusen and lyrics by Eddie DeLange
Au Privave..........Charlie Parker

Jeremy Cruz - trumpet
Patrick Pierce – alto sax
Danny Cioffari - guitar
Alexandria Bodick – string bass
Steven McArdle - drums


UConn Jazz 10tet
Earl MacDonald, director

Sordid Sort of Fellow..........Earl MacDonald
Miles Apart..........Earl MacDonald
Smoke and Mirrors..........Earl MacDonald

Adam Harris – alto saxophone
Charles Salley – tenor sax
Kevin Duffy – bari sax
Grant Eagleson – trumpet 1
Michael O’Callaghan – trumpet 2
Alex Gertner – French horn
Liam Reynolds – trombone
Andrew Wynsen – piano


Combo #1:
Gregg August, director

Moose the Mooche..........Charlie Parker
Cheryl..........Charlie Parker
Lover Man..........Jimmy Davis, Roger Ramirez & James Sherman.
Confirmation..........Charlie Parker

Michael O’Callaghan - trumpet
Adam Harris – alto saxophone
Patrick Adams - guitar
Andrew Wynsen - piano
Nathan Giordano – string bass
William Trautmann – drum set


--- jam session to follow ---